asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer on what date he received the communication from Lord George Hamilton resigning his claim to a pension as from April next; and will he inform the House whether the Noble Lord on any previous occasion informed either him or his predecessors as to his means?

The communication w as received on 10th March. Since the necessary declaration made upon the original grant of his pension Lord George Hamilton has not, so far as I am aware, furnished any information as to his means, nor has he been asked to do so. As the hon. Member is aware from previous answers, it has not been the practice to require subsequent declarations of means after the award of a pension.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of bringing in a short Bill in order to compel persons who receive pensions on the plea that they are in a condition of poverty periodically to make statements as to their means, in exactly the same manner as in the case of old age pensioners with 10s. a week, and, if found guilty, to be treated in the same manner as a poor person?

I think the whole practice deserves consideration.

Having regard to the fact that this gentleman received a pension on account of distress, or alleged distress, will the right hon. Gentleman now institute proceedings for recovery of the amounts received?

Can the right hon. Gentleman state the amount of money the Noble Lord has received during the time he has been a pensioner?

£44,000.